Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often from international clients considering Argentina.

Immigration & Visas

What visa options are available for digital nomads?

Digital nomads most commonly pursue the Rentista visa, which is designed for individuals with documented passive income from abroad. This includes income from remote work, freelancing, investments, or other non-Argentine sources. You'll need to demonstrate stable monthly income (typically around 30x the Argentine minimum wage) and provide apostilled bank statements and income verification letters.

How long can I stay in Argentina on a tourist visa?

Most nationalities receive a 90-day tourist visa on arrival. This can be extended once for an additional 90 days at Migraciones. Many people also do a "border run"—leaving and re-entering the country to reset the 90 days—though this is not a long-term solution and does not grant the right to work legally.

Can I work while on a tourist visa?

Technically, no. Tourist visas do not authorize work in Argentina. Remote work for foreign companies exists in a legal gray area. For full compliance and peace of mind, obtaining proper residency is recommended if you plan to stay and work long-term.

What is the process for obtaining a DNI?

The DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) is obtained after your residency is approved by Migraciones. You'll schedule an appointment at RENAPER (Registro Nacional de las Personas), provide biometric data, and typically receive your DNI within 2-4 weeks. The DNI is essential for opening bank accounts, signing contracts, and other daily activities.

Citizenship & Residency

How long does it take to get Argentine citizenship?

The minimum requirement is 2 years of continuous legal residency. After that, you can apply for citizenship through a judicial process that typically takes 6-12 months. So the full timeline from arrival to citizenship is approximately 2.5-3 years, making Argentina one of the fastest paths to citizenship in the world.

Can I hold dual citizenship?

Yes. Argentina fully recognizes dual citizenship and does not require you to renounce your existing nationality. You can hold both an Argentine passport and your original passport. However, check with your home country—some countries do not permit dual citizenship on their end.

What is the difference between temporary and permanent residency?

Temporary residency is typically granted for 1-3 years and must be renewed. It allows you to live and work legally. Permanent residency does not expire and is a prerequisite for citizenship. You can generally convert from temporary to permanent after completing the required term under your visa category.

Do I need to speak Spanish to become a citizen?

There is no formal language test for citizenship. However, basic Spanish ability is helpful for the court process and for integrating into Argentine society. The judge may ask simple questions during your citizenship hearing. We can help prepare you for this.

Can my family also get residency?

Yes. Spouses and minor children can typically be included in your residency application or apply for family reunification. Parents of Argentine citizens (including children born here) may also qualify for permanent residency directly.

Real Estate

Can foreigners buy property in Argentina?

Yes. Foreigners can purchase property in Argentina without residency. You'll need a CDI (tax identification number for foreigners), which we can help you obtain. The process is straightforward, though navigating fund transfers and coordinating with the Escribano (notary) requires local expertise.

How do I transfer money to buy property?

There are several mechanisms for transferring funds, including the official market (MULC) and market-rate mechanisms (CCL/MEP). The optimal approach depends on your specific situation. We help clients structure transfers to maximize value while maintaining full legal compliance.

Are property purchases in USD or ARS?

Property in Argentina is typically priced and transacted in US dollars. At closing, buyers generally bring physical USD to the Escribanía. Yes, this means briefcases of cash—it's the local custom. We coordinate all aspects of this process.

Business & Corporate

What type of company should I form?

For most foreign entrepreneurs, the SAS (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada) is the best choice. It can be formed quickly (24-72 hours), has minimal capital requirements, can be 100% foreign-owned, and offers operational flexibility. SA and SRL structures are better suited for larger enterprises or specific regulatory requirements.

Do I need to be in Argentina to form a company?

No. We can form your company remotely using power of attorney. You'll need to provide apostilled documentation and we handle the rest. Bank account opening may require an in-person visit, though some banks offer remote options for certain account types.

What are the ongoing compliance requirements?

Argentine companies have various ongoing obligations: annual shareholders' meetings, financial statement filings with IGJ, tax filings with AFIP, updating director information when it changes, and potentially UIF (anti-money laundering) compliance depending on your industry. We offer ongoing compliance support.

Working With Lucero Legal

How much do your services cost?

Fees vary based on the complexity of your matter. We provide a clear fee estimate after our initial consultation, so there are no surprises. We typically work on flat-fee arrangements for defined projects (like residency applications) and hourly rates for ongoing advisory work.

Do you offer payment plans?

For larger matters, we can often structure payments across milestones in the process. We're happy to discuss arrangements that work for your situation during our initial consultation.

How do consultations work?

We offer free initial consultations to understand your situation and goals. These can be conducted via video call (Zoom, Google Meet), phone, or in-person at our Buenos Aires office. After the consultation, we'll provide a clear recommendation and fee proposal.

What languages do you work in?

We work in both English and Spanish. All client communications can be in English, and we handle all Spanish-language interactions with government agencies and local parties on your behalf.

Still Have Questions?

Every situation is unique. Book a free consultation and we'll answer your specific questions.

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